Colonial Michilimackinac
Fort Michilimackinac
A reconstructed 18th-century French and British fur trade fort at the foot of the Mackinac Bridge in Mackinaw City, with archaeological digs and costumed demonstrations.
Fort Michilimackinac was built by the French around 1715 as the hub of the Great Lakes fur trade. It later came under British control, and after the British moved their garrison to Mackinac Island in 1781, the fort was dismantled. Today, wooden palisades, a church, merchant houses and other buildings have been rebuilt on the original site based on archaeological findings. In summer, visitors can watch archaeological excavations, which have been ongoing since 1959, as well as costumed demonstrations of musket firing, cooking and Native life. Admission is about US$15, and combo tickets with Fort Mackinac are available. Located near the ferry docks in Mackinaw City, at the south end of the bridge, it is a good stop before or after a boat trip.
Opening hours
Approx. May–Oct 09:00–17:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Old Mackinac Point Light
- Mackinac Bridge
- Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House
- Grand Hotel
- British Landing
- Round Island Light
- Market Street Historic Buildings
- Main Street & Fudge Shops